Gluten-free foods

Gluten is a group of proteins found in certain grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley.

It helps food maintain its shape by providing elasticity and moisture. It also allows the bread to rise and provides a chewy texture.

Although gluten is safe for most people, those with conditions like celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid it to prevent adverse health effects.

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Many foods are made with gluten-containing ingredients, so it’s important that those who are unable to consume them check ingredient labels closely.

Also check out the most common signs of gluten intolerance.

Here is a list of 54 gluten-free foods.

Whole grains

A select few whole grains contain gluten, while the rest are naturally gluten-free.

It’s important to check food labels when purchasing whole grains. Even gluten-free whole grains can be contaminated with gluten, especially if they are processed in the same facility as gluten-containing foods.

For example, oats are often processed in facilities that also process wheat, which can lead to cross-contamination. For this reason, you should confirm that the oats you purchase are certified gluten-free.

Gluten-free whole grains

• quinoa
• brown rice
• wild rice
• buckwheat
• sorghum
• tapioca
• millet
• amaranth
• teff
• arrowroot
• oats (make sure they’re labeled as gluten-free as they may be contaminated with gluten during processing.)

Grains to avoid

• wheat, all varieties (whole wheat, wheat berries, graham, bulgur, farro, farina, durum, kamut, bromated flour, spelt, etc.)
• rye
• barley
• triticale

These gluten-containing grains are often used to make products like bread, crackers, pasta, cereals, baked goods, and snack foods.

Fruits and vegetables

All fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free. However, some processed fruits and vegetables may contain gluten, which is sometimes added for flavoring or as a thickener.

Gluten-containing ingredients that may be added to processed fruits and vegetables include hydrolyzed wheat protein, modified food starch, malt, and maltodextrin.

Fruits and vegetables to eat

Although the list below is not comprehensive, it provides some examples of fresh fruits and vegetables that you can enjoy on a gluten-free diet.

Suggested read: Gluten foods list: List of what to avoid and alternatives

• citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit
• bananas
• apples
• berries
• peaches
• pears
• cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower and broccoli
• greens, such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard
• starchy vegetables, including potatoes, corn, and squash
• bell peppers
• mushrooms
• onions
• carrots
• radishes
• green beans

Fruits and vegetables to double-check

• Canned fruits and vegetables: These may be canned with sauces that contain gluten. Fruits and vegetables canned with water or natural juices are likely gluten-free.
• Frozen fruits and vegetables: Sometimes these contain added flavorings and sauces that contain gluten. Plain frozen varieties are typically gluten-free.
• Dried fruits and vegetables: Some may include gluten-containing ingredients. Plain, unsweetened, dried fruits and vegetables tend to be gluten-free.
• Pre-chopped fruits and vegetables: These may be cross-contaminated with gluten depending on where they were prepped.

Proteins

Many foods contain protein, including animal and plant-based sources. Most are naturally gluten-free.

However, gluten-containing ingredients, such as soy sauce, flour, and malt vinegar are often used as fillers or flavorings. They may be added to sauces, rubs, and marinades that are commonly paired with protein sources.

Gluten-free proteins

• legumes (beans, lentils, peas, peanuts)
• nuts and seeds
• red meat (fresh beef, pork, lamb, bison)
• poultry (fresh chicken, turkey)
• seafood (fresh fish, scallops, shellfish)
• traditional soy foods (tofu, tempeh, edamame, etc.)

Proteins to double-check

• processed meats, such as hot dogs, pepperoni, sausage, salami, and bacon
• meat substitutes, such as vegetarian burgers
• lunch meats or cold cuts
• ground meats
• proteins that have been combined with sauces or seasonings
• ready-to-eat proteins, such as those in microwavable TV dinners

Proteins to avoid

• any meat, poultry, or fish that has been breaded
• proteins that are combined with wheat-based soy sauce
• seitan

Dairy products

Most dairy products are naturally gluten-free. However, those that are flavored and contain additives should always be double-checked for gluten.

Suggested read: What is gluten? Common foods, conditions, and more

Some common gluten-containing ingredients that may be added to dairy products include thickeners, malt, and modified food starch.

Gluten-free dairy products

• milk
• butter and ghee
• cheese
• cream
• cottage cheese
• sour cream
• yogurt

Dairy products to double-check

• flavored milk and yogurts
• processed cheese products, such as cheese sauces and spreads
• ice cream, which is sometimes mixed with additives that contain gluten

Dairy products to avoid

• malted milk drinks

Fats and oils

Fats and oils are naturally gluten-free. In some cases, additives that contain gluten may be mixed with fats and oils for flavor and thickening.

Gluten-free fats and oils

• butter and ghee
• olives and olive oil
• avocados and avocado oil
• coconut oil
• vegetable and seed oils, including sesame oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil

Fats and oils to double-check

• cooking sprays
• oils with added flavors or spices

Beverages

There are several types of gluten-free beverages for you to enjoy.

However, some beverages are mixed with additives that contain gluten. Additionally, some alcoholic beverages are made with malt, barley, and other gluten-containing grains and should be avoided on a gluten-free diet.

Gluten-free beverages

• water
• 100% fruit juice
• coffee
• tea
• some alcoholic beverages, including wine, hard ciders, and beer made from gluten-free grains, such as buckwheat or sorghum
• sports drinks, soda, and energy drinks
• lemonade

Note that while these beverages are gluten-free, most of them are best consumed in moderation due to their added sugar and alcohol contents.

Beverages to double-check

• any beverage with added flavorings or mix-ins, such as coffee coolers
• distilled liquors, such as vodka, gin, and whiskey — even when labeled gluten-free, as they are known to trigger a reaction in some people
• pre-made smoothies

Beverages to avoid

• beers, ales, and lagers made from gluten-containing grains
• non-distilled liquors
• other malt beverages, such as wine coolers

Spices, sauces, and condiments

Spices, sauces, and condiments often contain gluten but are commonly overlooked.

Suggested read: Vegan grocery list for beginners

Although most spices, sauces, and condiments are naturally gluten-free, gluten-containing ingredients are sometimes added to them as emulsifiers, stabilizers, or flavor enhancers.

Some common gluten-containing ingredients added to spices, sauces, and condiments include modified food starch, maltodextrin, malt, and wheat flour.

Gluten-free spices, sauces, and condiments

• tamari
• coconut aminos
• white vinegar, distilled vinegar, and apple cider vinegar

Spices, sauces, and condiments to double-check

• ketchup and mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• tomato sauce
• relish and pickles
• barbecue sauce
• mayonnaise
• salad dressing
• pasta sauce
• dry spices
• salsa
• stock and bouillon cubes
• marinades
• gravy and stuffing mixes
• rice vinegar

Spices, sauces, and condiments to avoid

• wheat-based soy sauce and teriyaki sauce
• malt vinegar

Ingredients to look out for

Here is a list of ingredients and food additives that may indicate that an item contains gluten.

• modified food starch and maltodextrin (if made from wheat, it will be specified on the label)
• malt-based ingredients, including malt vinegar, malt extract, and malt syrup
• gluten stabilizer
• soy or teriyaki sauce
• wheat-based ingredients, such as wheat protein and wheat flour
• emulsifiers (will be specified on the label)

If you are unsure if a product contains gluten, it’s a good idea to contact the manufacturer to double-check.

Conditions that can be helped by a gluten-free diet

A gluten-free diet is typically recommended for those with celiac disease, a condition that triggers an immune response when foods containing gluten are consumed.

Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity should also avoid gluten, as it can contribute to symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Although more research is needed, several studies also suggest that a gluten-free diet could be beneficial for those with irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic disorder characterized by digestive issues like stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

Risks of a gluten-free diet

Gluten is found naturally in many nutritious foods, including whole grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

Meanwhile, some processed, gluten-free food products are not enriched with vitamins and minerals. As such, following a gluten-free diet that lacks diversity could increase the risk of deficiencies in folate, riboflavin, niacin, and iron.

Suggested read: The gluten-free diet: A beginner's guide with meal plan

Gluten-free diets also tend to be lower in fiber, which plays an important role in digestive health and regularity.

Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you’re getting these important nutrients from other sources as part of a healthy, gluten-free diet to help reduce the risk of side effects.

Summary

If you avoid gluten, there are plenty of foods you can choose from to ensure a well-balanced diet.

Many healthy foods are naturally gluten-free, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, certain whole grains, dairy products, and oils, as well as fresh meat, fish, and poultry.

Wheat, rye, and barley are the major foods that need to be avoided while following a gluten-free diet. Gluten is also commonly added to processed foods, such as canned and boxed items.

Furthermore, some grains, such as oats, may be cross-contaminated with gluten, depending on where they were processed.

Success with a gluten-free diet comes down to double-checking ingredient labels, as gluten is often added to foods that you wouldn’t expect. Foods that contain gluten will be labeled as such.

Nevertheless, if you focus on eating mostly fresh, whole, gluten-free foods and a minimal amount of processed foods, you will have no problem following a gluten-free diet.